Multiple key lock



July 11, 1933.

G. D. HILL 1,917,302

TIPLE KE Filed July 18, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 11, 1933. G. D. HILL 1,917,302

MULTIPLE KEY LOCK Filed July 18, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENYIOR MAW %2:s4 TTORNE Y July 11, 1933. G D, HM 1,917,302

MULTIPLE KEY LOCK Filed July 18, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 July 11, 1933. G. D. HILL MULTIPLE KEY LOCK Filea July 18, 1931 Patentecl July 11, 1933 Pars me GERRIT n. HILL, or noonns'rnra, NEW roar, sssrcaee To sanctum & easement;

INQ, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION on NEW YORK MITLTIPLE Application filed July 18,

The present invention relates to improvements in locks and has for 1ts ob ect to provide more particularly an improved change;

key lock, such for example, as one of the type commonly known as a cylinder lock.

A further object of the invention is to proi being adjust-able to render them non-responsive to previously used keys while capable of being operated by a new or different key.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved change key lock constituting a unit designed for .the operation or control of different types of securing or l0cking devices and which is preferably arranged for operation by a master key.

A further object of the invention is toprovide an improved change key cylinder-lock in which the operating tumblers, the control means therefor and the adjustable means made responsive to the change key, constitute a simplified arrangement of parts operable within the plug or barrel of the lock.

A further object of the invention'is to pro vide in a change key cylinder lock'improved means by which to make it extremely dificult to pick the lock or to effect itsrelease by any means other than that normally employed to operate the same.

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain improvements and combination of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings: g r

Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of a lockembodying the invention;

Fig. Qis a longitudinalsection substantially on line 2a'2a of 'Fig. 6;

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of theitumbler holding. cylinder as it appears with the operating parts removed;

KEY L001;

Fig. 8 is a transverse section substantially on the line 8a8a of Fig. 1 showing one of the carrier tumblers, the parts being in the position corresponding to that shown in Fig. 7 7

F1 9 1s a transverse section similar to b Fig. 7 with all of the operating parts removed from the cylinder; Fig. 10 is atransverse section corresponding to Fig. 7 but with a master key substituted for the regular key shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 11 is a front view of the lock barrel drawn to a reduced scale and showing the relative positions of the main and change key slots;

Flg. 12 1s a perspective view of the means operated by the change key to condition the lock for the'reception of a new key;

Fig. 13 is a transverse section drawn to an enlarged scalecorresponding substantially to Fig. 4 but with the barrel rotated into positionto permit of the insertion of the change key within the lock;

Fig. 14- is an enlarged transverse section showingthe parts shifted by the change key to release the tumblers in. orderto permit them toaccommodate themselves to the new key inserted in the plug;

Fig-15 is a perspective view of the tumbler carrying means, and

Fig. 16 is a view showing a master key for releasing the lock, which corresponds to the key shown in operating position in Figs.

10 and 14;

Similar reference numerals throughout the severalviews lndlcate the same parts.

One of the important features of the in vention resides in a change key arrangement 1n combination with a cylinder lock whereby to afford greater protection than has been possible to obtain heretofore with locks ofthis type. In previous locks of this class used on the doors of ofiices and residences or apartments, which are vacated from time to time and subsequently rented to different parties, it has been a relatively easy matter for unscrupulous persons before moving out to have duplicate keys made which Will later afford them free entrance to the quarters which they formerly occupied. Thus it will be seen that it is highly desirable not only for the reasons stated above, but for other reasons as well to provide a cylinder lock Which can quickly and easily be converted into what practically amounts to a new lock and which cannot be unlocked by any outstanding previously used key or keys in the hands of persons who may have had possession of such keys.

The present cylinder lock has been designed particularly with the idea in View of overcoming the objections pointed out above, which are being raised against cylinder locks of the rotary plug type now in use. The de sign of the lock including the change key arrangement is compact, simple, and practical in construction and embodies comparatively few additional parts not likely to get out of order and which are relatively inaccessible and therefore cannot be tampered with when once assembled.

The arrangement comprises generally aseries of Wafer-like tumblers or looking parts within the plug, operated by suitable actuating elements responsive to the proper key and adjustable Within the plug to assume different operating positions with respect: to the tumblers. Adjustment of the tumblers is efiected by a unitary device responsive to a change key when the plug and tumblers are p in a predetermined release position. A unitary device is also provided for moving the tumblers to release position, saiddevice being responsive to a master key regardless of the particular service key which the parts may have been conditioned to receive.

The lock is designed to be operated by any one of a series of different operating or service keys, according to whichever one it has been made responsive to by a previous adjustment, effected by means of a suitable instrument which constitutes a change key. It is also preferably made responsive to a master key to be retained by one having authority to make use of the same when the occasion demands, such use preferably not being affected by conditioning the lock from time to time for control by different service keys. With the arrangement shown, the change key cannot be employed until after the plug has been unlocked and moved to a predetermined release position. 7 I

Referring-to the drawings, 10 represents a door bolt of any suitable type which is shown in a more or less conventional manner in Fig. 1 and which is suitably supported, as for example, within a housing 11 arranged to be connected with the door and preferably to be disposed within a recess formed therein. The housingincludes a removable plate or wall 12 at one side thereof which carries a support 13 for the rear end of the bolt, the latter being preferably slottedat 14 to receive the reduced portion of the support as shown in Fig. 1. A spring 15 tends at all times to urge the bolt to ad vanced or locking position, the front end of the bolt being guided by the front end wall of the housing.

Arranged to extend partially through the wall of the door and connected with the housing 11 therein is a lock cylinder or casing 16, threadedlyengaging the wall of the housing as shown in Fig; 1 and held against accidental release by a set screw 17. On the front end of the cylinder is a detachable escutcheon plate 18 arranged for engagement with the face of the door at one side thereof and counter-bored or recessed to receive the .9

head 19 of the barrel or rotary plug 20 shown detached from the cylinder in Fig. 3. The plug is held against longitudinal movement in the cylinder by a pin 21, Fig. 1, which is inserted through an opening in the wall of the cylinder and projected into an annular recess 22 formed'in the rear end of the plug. The plug is thus permitted to rotate within the cylinder but is held against withdrawal therefrom while at the same time operating to secure the escutcheon plate upon the outer end of the cylinder, the plate being held against rotation preferably by a pin 23 thereon arranged to take into the door, not shown. The reduced rear end portion 24 of the plug may be formed integral therewith or made detachable if desired by screwing it into the plug. A stud 25 is carried by the reduced end 24 of the plug and is eccentrically arranged with respect to the axis of the plug for the purpose of shifting the bolt upon rotation of the plug.

The plug is provided with a pair of transversely extending slots 27 and a group of intermediate'slots 28, the former arranged to receive the non-locking tumbler carrying elements 29, Figs; 2 and 15, and the latter being arranged to receive the locking tumblers 30 shown in locking position in Figs. 2 and 6. The slots are separated by vertically disposed walls 31 having certain openings therein as best shown in Fig. 9. These openings include the keyway slot 32, the vertical slots 33 for the downward passage of the tumbler lifting bar 29a, the angular shaped slots 34 and the upper and lower openings 35, all as shown in Fig. 9. The cylinder 16 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot ing tumblers 30.

The. tumblers. are operated. by individual actuating members 36 havinglaterally extending: key receiving portions .37, said.

members being disposed in the slots: 28, and

T5 the portions 37. lying beneath the angular .9 portions of the walls 31 at the points 39 in shaped bar 38 extending. longitudinally of. the plug through the slots 34- in the walls 31 of the plug. The bar 38 is preferably held in position by pea-ning over the upper end dicated in Fig. 3, and as shown at 39a in Fig. 7. At. the ends ofthe angleba-r: the wall of the plug is also peaned over at the points 40, Fig. 3, as indicated at 40a in Fig. 2.

E The locking tumblers 30 and the actuating elements 38 therefor are provided with co- QJ with respect to the locking tumblers.

251? 38, the lower ends of which rest upon the 29a. extending through the slots 46 of the a of the transversely extending tooth carrying portions 37 of the actuating members, which overlie the ledge 42 upon which the service key rests as shown in Fig. 7.

One of the service keys for operating the lock is shown at d3 in Fig. 7 in look releasing position and the master key 44 is shown in the corresponding position in Fig- 8 with the bits 44a thereof engaging. the portions 7 laterally extending parts 45 of the tumbler lifting members 29 whichcarry the bar 29a and by-which the locking tumblers are elevated to release position when using the master key. Vhen using any one of the -service keys 43, the actuating members 36 are moved thereby to shift the locking tumblers to release position as shown in Fig. 7. The locking tumblers when in either locking or release position-rest upon the carrier tumblers, the slots being of sufiicient length to permit of the necessary relatlve movement of the tumblers with respectto the bar. when operated by the service keys.

The tumbler actuating elements 36 are pro vided with upper and lower slots47 and 48 respectively, through which extend guide and supporting rods d9 the opposite ends of which are disposed within a pair of spaced support- 3 mg elements 50 slidably disposed in transversely extendin slots 51 formed in theplug or barrel 20, said rods extending through theopenings 35 in the partition walls 31 of the plug. The parts l9 and 50 constitute an 0p 4 erating unit for shifting the actuating members 36 to release position with respect to the locking tumblers as shown in Fig. 14 when conditioning the parts for operation. by a clify ferent service key from that previously em- Jai ployed to operate the lock, said-parts 50 having' openings 50a therein large enough: to clea'rtheservice' or master key when the latter is employed to rotate the plug. The rods 49 are passed through longitudinally extending openings 245a formed in the rear end of the plugin registry with the openings in the slides 50. The openings 24w may be plugged or guarded by any suitable means, notshown, to prevent longitudinalv displacement of therods. The rods form guid'esfor the tumbler actuating members 36, the upper rod also forming a stop for said members. when the'latter areshifted to release the tumblers. The lower rod forms a stop for limiting the downward movement. of. the. unit shown in Fig. 15, through engagement thereoffwith. the lower edges 49a of the arms 45 of r the tumbler carrier when the parts are in the locking position shown in 6. In this lowest position of the carrier the lower ends ofthe members 29 are not permitted to. extend into the slot 16a, and their upper ends arealso prevented from projecting within the slot 16b-as indicated in F ig.. 8 when the tumbljers are in release position. I

The operating unit shown in Figs. 5 and 12 is moved toshift the actuating elements 36 from engagement with the locking tumblers by means of a change key 52 insertable within a slot 53 formed in the rotary plug. Normally aguard or baffle plate 54 revents insertion of the key within the plug, ut when the tumblers have been released by the proper service or master key and'the plug rotated through an'angle of the key slot 53 is brought into registry with. a: slot 55in the guard plate, in which position of the parts the changekey can beinserted and advanced to operating position withinthe plug. The lugs-56 on the operating'elements 50are at this time opposite the slot 16a in the cylinder, into which the lugs will move when the operating unit is shifted by the change key to the dotted line positionshown inFig. 14-, and in whichposL tion the plug is held against rotation by the lugs. In shifting the operating unit, the bits 52av of the change key will engage abutments 58on theslides 50 sothat in turning the key in the proper direction the slides will move transversely within the plug" during which time the rods 49will shift the tumbler actuating members 36-to the release position shown in Fig. 14, before the old service key is removed. After removal of the old service key of saidpartsat the moment of clearing the slots 16a, thus making it difiicult to 856Gb releaseof-the lock by a picking operation; To

increasethe -diificulty of: pickingthe lock; the:

- method just when the tumblers have reached the proper release position, the notches 31a being particularly eifective for this purpose since by the provision of the same there are no shoulders left at these points for engagement by the ends of the tumblers to make it possible to determine bythe sense of touch when to discontinue the shifting movement of the individual tumblers.

The guard plate 54 is disposed within an annular recess 60 formed within the plug and is held-in fixed relation with respect to the cylinder by means of the projecting lugs 61 positionedwithin the slots 16a and 16b of the cylinder and into which they are moved when the escutcheon plate is moved into engagement with the cylinder. It will be understood that the escutcheon plate is inserted upon the plug before positioning the latter within the cylinder and that when the plug is moved to the position shown in Fig. 1 and the key or pin 21 is inserted through the wall of the cylinder into the groove 22 of the plug, the latter, though free to rotate, is held against longitudinal movement and cannot be removed until the set screw 17 is moved to release position, afterwhich the cylinder can be unscrewed from the housing 11 to render the pin 21 accessible for removal from the cylinder. With this arrangement neither the cylinder nor the plug can be removed when the door is locked since the securing parts are inaccessible when the door is close and secured by the bolt. Y

It will be understood that the present change key cylinder lock, irrespective of the housing 11 and locking parts therein, constitutes a complete and improved locking unit which can be employed as a lock for various devices or closures to be protected and that it can readily be adapted for controlling different forms of securing mechanisms for such devices and closures.

In the operation of conditioning the lock for control by a new operating or service key, the old key is first inserted within the plug and operated to release the tumblers and to rotate the plug through an angle of 90 to the position at which the change keyv can be inserted. The change key can then be operated to shift the slides 50 and rods carried thereby to the position shown in Fig. 14, in which the teeth of the actuating elements 36 are disengaged from those of the tumblers. The old service key is then withdrawn and the new key inserted at which time the actuating elements will accommodate themselves to the new key under the pressure of the springs 41. The change key can then be operated to eifect reengagement of the actuating elements with the tumblers and then withdrawnand the lock operated by the new key, the old key being no longer efiective as a means for releasing the tumblers. It will be understood that the change just described may also be effected by using the master key to release the tumblers and to rotate the plug to the position for receiv ing the change key, after operation of which the master key is withdrawn and the new key inserted and operated as previously described.

I claim:

1. In a-change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable there in, key controlled locking parts associated with the plug and arranged for cooperation with the cylinder to lock the plug against rotation, and mechanism mounted within the plug-for rotation therewith adapted for controlling said parts to condition them for response to a different key, said mechanism being operable independently of said key.

2. Ina change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, adjustable key controlled locking parts associated with the plug arranged in one position to cooperate with the cylinder to hold the plug against rotation, and control means associated with the plug responsive to the operation of a change key inserted within the plug to condition said parts for operation by any one of a different number of keys occupying a position within the plug during operation of the change key.

3. In a change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder, a key receiving plug rotatable therein, locking parts associated with the plug arranged for cooperation with,

the cylinder to lock the plug against rotation, key responsive members for operating said parts adjustable relative thereto, and means for'adjusting said members to engage said locking parts in different positions to render said members responsive to operation by different keys, said means being arranged for operation with any one of said keys at rest within the plug;

Ina change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, locking parts within the plug arranged for cooperation with the cylinder to lock the plug against rotation, key responsive members adj ustable to different positions within the plug for operation by different keys to eflfect control of said locking parts, and means within the plug responsive to the insert on of a membertherein for effecting adjustment of said key responsive members to render them responsive to the different keys.

5. In a change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder, a key receiving plug rotatable therein, a plurality of 'key controlled locking devices associated with the plug arranged for cooperation with the cylinder'to lock the plug against rotation, each of said devices including parts adjustable one nation of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein,

a. plurality of key controlled locking devices associated with the plug arranged for cooperation with the cylinder to lock the plug against rotation, each of said devices including parts adjustable one relative to another to render them responsive to difi'erent keys, operating means movable within the plug to shift the adjustable parts of each of the devices to condition said devices for opera-- tion by different keys, and a member insertable within a recess formed in the plug arranged to actuate said operating means.

7. In a change key cylinder lock, the combination of cylinder, a plug rotatable therein. adjustable key controlled locking parts associated with the plug arranged in one position to cooperate with the cylinder to hold the plug against rotation, control elements associated with the plug responsive to the opera tion of a member inserted within the plug to condition said parts for operation by different keys, and means. arranged to block insertion' of said member within the plug until the latter has been unlocked and rotatedto a predetermined position. i

8. In a change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder,a plug rotatable therein, adjustable key controlled locking parts associated with the plug arranged in one position to cooperate with the cylinder to hold the plug against rotation, control elements associated with the plug responsive to the operation of a member inserted withina recess formed in the plug to condition said parts for operation by different keys, and a guard carried by. the cylinder for blocking the insertion of said member withinv said recess, said guard permitting of the passage of said member into said recess when the plug has been unlocked and rotated to a predetermined position.

9 In a change key cylinder lock. the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable'therein, locking parts within the plug arranged to cooperate with the cylinder to hold the plug against rotation, adjustable key responsive devices associated with the plug arranged to control said locking parts and to be conditioned for response to different operating keys, conditioning means for saiddevice, and

means associated with the plug for moving the locking parts to release position, said means being responsive to a master keyarranged for insertion Within the plug.

10. In a change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, locking parts within the plug arranged to cooperate with the cylinder tohold the plug against rotation, adjustable key responsive devices associated with the plug arranged to be conditioned for response to diflerent operating keys for releasing said locking parts, conditioning means for said devices and means movable within the plug arranged to efiect simultaneous movement of said locking parts to release position and adapted to be operated by a master key inserted within the plu v j 1%. In a change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, a bolt responsive to movement of the plug, locking parts within the plug arranged to cooperate with the cylinder to hold the plug against rotation, key responsive members adustable within the plug and arranged to be conditioned for operation by diiferent keys to effect release of said locking parts, conditioning means for said members arranged to be operated by a change key inserted withinthe plug, and a device operable within the plug for shifting said locking parts to release position said device being responsive to a master key inserted within the plug.

12. In a change key cylinder lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, looking parts within the plug arranged to cooperate with the cylinder tohold the plug against rotation, key responsive members adjustable within the plug and arranged for operation in different positions bydiflerent w keys to effect release of said locking parts,

means within the plug for adjusting said members to said different positions, and a device adjustable within the plug arranged to simultaneously move said locking parts from looking position and to support them in release position, said device being movable relative to said key responsive members and arranged for operation by a master key inserted within the plug.

13. In a lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, a bolt arranged to be operated by the plug, locking parts within the plug arranged to cooperate with the cylinder to holdthe plug against rotation, key responsive members within the plug for operating said locking parts, and adevice within the plug movable relative to said members to move said locking parts from locking to release position, said device being responsive to a master key when operated within the plug.

14. In a lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, a bolt operaand means associated with the plug movable relative to said locking means and arranged to be actuated by a-difierent key from said operating key when inserted-within the plug whereby to move said locking means to release position.

15. In a lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, locking means within the plug comprising relatively movable lockingparts arral'iged to cooperate with the cylinderto hold the plug against rotation, said parts being relatively adjustable by means of a change keyoperable within the plug to condition them for operation by different service keys, and a guard associated with the plug and preventing insertion of the change key within the plug while the latter is in normal locked position.

16. In a lock, the combination of a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, locking means within the plug comprising relatively movable locking parts-arranged to cooperate with the cylinder to hold the plug against 'rotation, said lockingimeans being movable to release position by an operating key inserted within the plug, and a device within the plug movable relative to and forming a carrier for said locking parts, said device being responsive to a second key diii'erent from the first when inserted within the keyway of the latter and being movable by the second key to eli'ect release of said-locking parts.

17. In a change key cylinder lock, the com- 'bination of a cylinder having a plurality of abutments thereon, a plug rotatable within the cylinder, a bolt arranged for operation by the plug, a plurality of; locking parts movable within the plug to engage said abutments to hold the plug against rotation, a key controlled operating memberfor each of said parts, said membersbeing adjustable to different positions to operatively engage the locking parts inwhich positions said mem bers are responsive to different operating keys inserted in a common keyway formed in the said plug, and a device movable within the plug to efiect adjustment of said members and responsive to an operating element inserted within a recess formed in the plug in spaced relation to said keyway.

.18. A change key lock comprising a cylinder having abutments formed thereon, a plug rotatable within the cylinder, locking parts slidable within the plug for engagement with said abutments whereby to lock the plug against rotation, key responsive operating members for said locking parts, said members and locking parts having cooperating teeth permitting adjustment of said members to different operating positions upon said locking parts whereby'to render them responsive to different operating keys, and means within the plug arranged to receive a change key operable to adjust said members to permit them to accommodate themselves to the difl'erent operating keys inserted within the plug.

against rotation, key responsive operating members for said, locking parts adjustable relative thereto, said members and locking parts having cooperating teeth in all operatin g positions thereof, a device movable within the plug to adjust said operating members to render them responsive to the different operating keys inserted within the plug, and a recess formed in the plug for receiving a member arranged to operate said devices to effect adjustment of said operating members.

20. A change key lock comprising a cylin der having abutments formed thereon, a plug rotatable within the cylinder, looking parts slidable within the plug for engagement with said abutments whereby to lock the plug against rotation, key responsive operating members for said locking parts adjustable relative thereto, guiding and supporting means for said operating members adjustable within the plug to move said key responsive members to and from operating position with respect to said locking members, and a recess formed in the plug for receiving a member arranged to eiiect movement of said guiding and supporting means.

21. A change key lock comprising a cylinder having abutments formed thereon, a plug rotatable within the cylinder, a bolt arranged to be operated by the plug, locking parts movable within the plug for engagement with said abutments whereby to lock the plug against rotation, key responsive operating means for said locking parts adjustable to different positions within the plug for operation by different service keys and arranged in said different positions to operatively engage said locking parts, and a device movable within the plug and responsive to a change key inserted therein arranged to effect adjustment of said key, responsive operating means. A

22. A change key lock comprising a cylinder having abutments formed thereon, a plug rotatable within the cylinder, a bolt arranged to be operated by the plug, locking parts movable within the plug for engagement. with said abutments whereby tolock the plug against rotation, key responsive operating means for said locking parts adjustable to difi'erentpositions within the plug for operation by different control keys and arranged in said different positions to operatively engage said locking parts, a device movable within the plug and responsive to a change key inserted therein arranged to e-fi'ect adjustment of said operating means, and guard means arranged to block insertion of said change key within the plug until the latter has been unlocked and rotated to a predetermined position.

23. A change key lock comprising a cylinder having abutments formedthereon, a-

and arranged in said difierent positions to operatively engage saidlocking parts, a de-, vice movable within the plug and responsive to a change key inserted therein and arranged to efl'ect adjustment of said operating parts, and a guard secured within the cylinder between the ends of the plug arranged when the plug is in locked position to block insertion of the change key within the plug and permitting its insertion therein when the plug is unlocked and rotated to a predetermined position. I j

24. A lock of the class described, comprising a cylinder, a plug rotatable therein, look ing parts within the plug responsive to a service key and arranged for cooperation with the cylinder to hold the plug against rotation, an adjustable device within the plug for conditioning said parts for operation by diilerent service keys, said device being responsive to a change key operable within the plug, and means within the plug movable by a master key to efiect release of said look ing parts, said means being limited in its movement in one direction by said adjustable device.

25; A look of the class described, comprising a cylinder having oppositely disposed.

alined slots formed in its walls, a plug rotatable within the cylinder, tumblers movable within the plug having their locking ends normally disposed. in one of the slots to hold the plug against rotation, portions of the cylinder wall surrounding the opposite slot being recessed whereby to avoid contacting of the non-locking ends of the tumblers with said wall portions in attempting to pick the lock by relying on the sense of touch to shift the tumblers to release position,adjustable key responsive operating parts within the plug for releasing said tumblers, and means within the plug for adjusting said parts to condition them for response to 'difiierent operating keys, said means beingarranged for operation by a change key with any one of said operating keys at rest within the plug.

GERRIT VD. HILL. 

